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Zhou Z, Xu J, Liu S, Lv Y, Zhang R, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Weng S, Xu H, Ba Y, Zuo A, Han X, Liu Z. Infiltrating treg reprogramming in the tumor immune microenvironment and its optimization for immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:97. [PMID: 39227959 PMCID: PMC11373505 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising anti-tumor effects across various tumors, yet it encounters challenges from the inhibitory tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important contributors to immunosuppressive TIME, limiting tumor immunosurveillance and blocking effective anti-tumor immune responses. Although depletion or inhibition of systemic Tregs enhances the anti-tumor immunity, autoimmune sequelae have diminished expectations for the approach. Herein, we summarize emerging strategies, specifically targeting tumor-infiltrating (TI)-Tregs, that elevate the capacity of organisms to resist tumors by reprogramming their phenotype. The regulatory mechanisms of Treg reprogramming are also discussed as well as how this knowledge could be utilized to develop novel and effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Shutong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yingying Lv
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuhao Ba
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Yao Y, Yuan M, Shi M, Li W, Sha Y, Zhang Y, Yuan C, Luo J, Li Z, Liao C, Xu K, Niu M. Halting multiple myeloma with MALT1 inhibition: suppressing BCMA-induced NF-κB and inducing immunogenic cell death. Blood Adv 2024; 8:4003-4016. [PMID: 38820414 PMCID: PMC11339052 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Because multiple myeloma (MM) poses a formidable therapeutic challenge despite recent progress, exploring novel targets is crucial. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) emerges as a promising paracaspase with druggable potential, especially unexplored in MM. Our study provided compelling evidence demonstrating a statistically significant elevation of MALT1 expression in human primary MM cells. Moreover, elevated MALT1 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in MM. Genetic deletion of MALT1 reduced cell growth, colony formation, and tumor growth in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition with 1 μM of a small-molecular MALT1 inhibitor, Mi-2, effectively inhibited cell growth, inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, MALT1 inhibition disrupted diverse signal transduction pathways, notably impeding nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Significantly, the inhibition of MALT1 demonstrated a substantial suppression of NF-κB activation by elevating inhibitor of NF-κB, disrupting the nuclear localization of p65 and c-REL. This effect was observed in both the basal state and when stimulated by B-cell maturation antigen, highlighting the pivotal role of MALT1 inhibition in influencing MM cell survival. It was noteworthy that Mi-2 induces properties associated with immunogenic cell death (ICD), as evidenced by increased calreticulin, adenosine triphosphate release, and high-mobility group protein B1 upregulation, consequently triggering ICD-associated immune activation and enhancing CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity in vitro. In conclusion, our research highlights MALT1 as a promising druggable target for therapeutic interventions in MM, providing insights into its molecular mechanisms in MM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mei Yuan
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Shi
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenyu Li
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Sha
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Canli Yuan
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianping Luo
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingshan Niu
- Blood Disease Institute, Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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3
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Wang XF, Wang F, Zhou G. MALT1 Protease Regulates T-Cell Immunity via the mTOR Pathway in Oral Lichen Planus. Inflammation 2024; 47:939-957. [PMID: 38159177 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T cell-mediated immune mucosal disease of unknown pathogenesis. Whether mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1), an intracellular signaling protein, is involved in the T-cell immune dysfunction of OLP remains elusive. MALT1 expression in local and peripheral T cells of OLP and controls was analyzed using immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. The expression of MALT1 in activated Jurkat T cells incubated with either OLP plasma or interleukin (IL)-7/IL-15 was determined by flow cytometry. The effects of MALT1 and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) on T-cell immunity were investigated through western blot, CCK8 assay, and flow cytometry. The expression of MALT1 protein was elevated in local OLP T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, while reduced in peripheral OLP T cells, MAIT cells, and follicular helper-like MAIT (MAITfh) cells. Stimulation with OLP plasma and IL-7/ IL-15 had no effect on MALT1 expression in activated Jurkat T cells. MALT1 protease-specific inhibitor (MI-2) induced mTOR phosphorylation, increased B-cell lymphoma 10 (BCL10) expression, inhibited T-cell proliferation, and promoted T-cell apoptosis. The combination of MI-2 and rapamycin increased MALT1 expression, further suppressed T-cell proliferation, and facilitated T-cell apoptosis. MALT1 expression is aberrant in both local lesions and peripheral blood of OLP. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway further enhances the suppression of T-cell proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis induced by the MALT1 inhibitor MI-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 237, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 237, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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Han J, Wang Q, Li S, Yang J, Qiu Z, Fu W. Comprehensive analysis of basement membrane-related gene based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data to predict prognosis and evaluate immune characteristics in colorectal cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3367-3380. [PMID: 38445432 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Basement membrane-related genes (BMs) participate in regulating cell polarity, invasion, metastasis, and survival across different tumor types. Nevertheless, the specific functions of BMs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain uncertain. METHODS To investigate the clinical relevance of BMs in CRC, we retrieved both gene expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets for subsequent analysis. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve was employed to evaluate prognosis in high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, additional analyses, including nomogram construction, functional enrichment, examination of the tumor immune microenvironment, prediction of small-molecule drugs, and more, were conducted to delve into the significance of BM-related signatures in CRC. Single-cell data from seven CRC patients were obtained from the TISCH2 database, and expression validation and cell source exploration of BM-related signatures were performed. Lastly, the expression and function of TIMP1, a key gene in BMs that may play a role in the progression of CRC, was validated in vitro through a series of basic experiments. RESULTS We constructed a seven BMs-based model to categorize CRC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. K-M survival analysis indicated a poorer prognosis for high-risk CRC patients. Cox regression analysis further identified the risk score as an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients. The nomogram model exhibited superior discrimination and calibration abilities of CRC patients. Based on the results from GO/KEGG and GSEA, genes in the high-risk subgroup were implicated in immune-related pathways and exhibited a positive correlation with immune checkpoints. In single-cell data, we found that TIMP1 is highly expressed in many cells, especially in malignant tumor cells. We also observed up-regulation of TIMP1 in CRC cell lines, promoting cancer invasion and migration in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our study has discovered a novel prognostic index derived from BM-related genes in CRC patients. Specifically, the new model enables patient stratification, improving the selection of individuals likely to benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shuyang Hospital of TCM, Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qipeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shuyang Hospital of TCM, Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shangshang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shuyang Hospital of TCM, Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shuyang Hospital of TCM, Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhengcai Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Shuyang Hospital of TCM, Shuyang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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Moud BN, Ober F, O’Neill TJ, Krappmann D. MALT1 substrate cleavage: what is it good for? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1412347. [PMID: 38863711 PMCID: PMC11165066 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1412347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CARD-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) signalosomes connect distal signaling of innate and adaptive immune receptors to proximal signaling pathways and immune activation. Four CARD scaffold proteins (CARD9, 10, 11, 14) can form seeds that nucleate the assembly of BCL10-MALT1 filaments in a cell- and stimulus-specific manner. MALT1 (also known as PCASP1) serves a dual function within the assembled CBM complexes. By recruiting TRAF6, MALT1 acts as a molecular scaffold that initiates IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/AP-1 signaling. In parallel, proximity-induced dimerization of the paracaspase domain activates the MALT1 protease which exerts its function by cleaving a set of specific substrates. While complete MALT1 ablation leads to immune deficiency, selective destruction of either scaffolding or protease function provokes autoimmune inflammation. Thus, balanced MALT1-TRAF6 recruitment and MALT1 substrate cleavage are critical to maintain immune homeostasis and to promote optimal immune activation. Further, MALT1 protease activity drives the survival of aggressive lymphomas and other non-hematologic solid cancers. However, little is known about the relevance of the cleavage of individual substrates for the pathophysiological functions of MALT1. Unbiased serendipity, screening and computational predictions have identified and validated ~20 substrates, indicating that MALT1 targets a quite distinct set of proteins. Known substrates are involved in CBM auto-regulation (MALT1, BCL10 and CARD10), regulation of signaling and adhesion (A20, CYLD, HOIL-1 and Tensin-3), or transcription (RelB) and mRNA stability/translation (Regnase-1, Roquin-1/2 and N4BP1), indicating that MALT1 often targets multiple proteins involved in similar cellular processes. Here, we will summarize what is known about the fate and functions of individual MALT1 substrates and how their cleavage contributes to the biological functions of the MALT1 protease. We will outline what is needed to better connect critical pathophysiological roles of the MALT1 protease with the cleavage of distinct substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Kanaoka D, Yamada M, Yokoyama H, Nishino S, Kunimura N, Satoyoshi H, Wakabayashi S, Urabe K, Ishii T, Nakanishi M. FPFT-2216, a Novel Anti-lymphoma Compound, Induces Simultaneous Degradation of IKZF1/3 and CK1α to Activate p53 and Inhibit NFκB Signaling. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:312-327. [PMID: 38265263 PMCID: PMC10846380 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Reducing casein kinase 1α (CK1α) expression inhibits the growth of multiple cancer cell lines, making it a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Herein, we evaluated the antitumor activity of FPFT-2216-a novel low molecular weight compound-in lymphoid tumors and elucidated its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, we determined whether targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 is useful for treating hematopoietic malignancies. FPFT-2216 strongly degraded CK1α and IKAROS family zinc finger 1/3 (IKZF1/3) via proteasomal degradation. FPFT-2216 exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on human lymphoma cell proliferation than known thalidomide derivatives and induced upregulation of p53 and its transcriptional targets, namely, p21 and MDM2. Combining FPFT-2216 with an MDM2 inhibitor exhibited synergistic antiproliferative activity and induced rapid tumor regression in immunodeficient mice subcutaneously transplanted with a human lymphoma cell line. Nearly all tumors in mice disappeared after 10 days; this was continuously observed in 5 of 7 mice up to 24 days after the final FPFT-2216 administration. FPFT-2216 also enhanced the antitumor activity of rituximab and showed antitumor activity in a patient-derived diffuse large B-cell lymphoma xenograft model. Furthermore, FPFT-2216 decreased the activity of the CARD11/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) complex and inhibited IκBα and NFκB phosphorylation. These effects were mediated through CK1α degradation and were stronger than those of known IKZF1/3 degraders. In conclusion, FPFT-2216 inhibits tumor growth by activating the p53 signaling pathway and inhibiting the CBM complex/NFκB pathway via CK1α degradation. Therefore, FPFT-2216 may represent an effective therapeutic agent for hematopoietic malignancies, such as lymphoma. SIGNIFICANCE We found potential vulnerability to CK1α degradation in certain lymphoma cells refractory to IKZF1/3 degraders. Targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 could inhibit the growth of these cells by activating p53 signaling. Our study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of CK1α degraders, such as FPFT-2216, for treating lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Kanaoka
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Yamada
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Yokoyama
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoko Nishino
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoshi Kunimura
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoyoshi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Wakabayashi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunori Urabe
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ishii
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masato Nakanishi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
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Bacher S, Schmitz ML. Open questions in the NF-κB field. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119469. [PMID: 37951506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
A variety of stress signals leads to activation of the inducible transcription factor NF-κB, one of the master regulators of the innate immune response. Despite a wealth of information available on the NF-κB core components and its control by different activation pathways and negative feedback loops, several levels of complexity hamper our understanding of the system. This has also contributed to the limited success of NF-κB inhibitors in the clinic and explains some of their unexpected effects. Here we consider the molecular and cellular events generating this complexity at all levels and point to a number of unresolved questions in the field. We also discuss potential future experimental and computational strategies to provide a deeper understanding of NF-κB and its coregulatory signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bacher
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - M Lienhard Schmitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany.
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Schmidt H, Raj T, O'Neill TJ, Muschaweckh A, Giesert F, Negraschus A, Hoefig KP, Behrens G, Esser L, Baumann C, Feederle R, Plaza-Sirvent C, Geerlof A, Gewies A, Isay SE, Ruland J, Schmitz I, Wurst W, Korn T, Krappmann D, Heissmeyer V. Unrestrained cleavage of Roquin-1 by MALT1 induces spontaneous T cell activation and the development of autoimmunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309205120. [PMID: 37988467 PMCID: PMC10691344 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309205120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the MALT1 paracaspase in conventional T cells of Malt1TBM/TBM (TRAF6 Binding Mutant = TBM) mice causes fatal inflammation and autoimmunity, but the involved targets and underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. We genetically rendered a single MALT1 substrate, the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Roquin-1, insensitive to MALT1 cleavage. These Rc3h1Mins/Mins mice showed normal immune homeostasis. Combining Rc3h1Mins/Mins alleles with those encoding for constitutively active MALT1 (TBM) prevented spontaneous T cell activation and restored viability of Malt1TBM/TBM mice. Mechanistically, we show how antigen/MHC recognition is translated by MALT1 into Roquin cleavage and derepression of Roquin targets. Increasing T cell receptor (TCR) signals inactivated Roquin more effectively, and only high TCR strength enabled derepression of high-affinity targets to promote Th17 differentiation. Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) revealed increased cleavage of Roquin-1 in disease-associated Th17 compared to Th1 cells in the CNS. T cells from Rc3h1Mins/Mins mice did not efficiently induce the high-affinity Roquin-1 target IκBNS in response to TCR stimulation, showed reduced Th17 differentiation, and Rc3h1Mins/Mins mice were protected from EAE. These data demonstrate how TCR signaling and MALT1 activation utilize graded cleavage of Roquin to differentially regulate target mRNAs that control T cell activation and differentiation as well as the development of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Schmidt
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
| | - Timsse Raj
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
| | - Thomas J. O'Neill
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Andreas Muschaweckh
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich81675, Germany
| | - Florian Giesert
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Arlinda Negraschus
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
| | - Kai P. Hoefig
- Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich81337, Germany
| | - Gesine Behrens
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
| | - Lena Esser
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
| | - Christina Baumann
- Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich81337, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Carlos Plaza-Sirvent
- Department of Molecular Immunology, ZKF2, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum44801, Germany
| | - Arie Geerlof
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Andreas Gewies
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Sophie E. Isay
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich81675, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich81675, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich81675, Germany
| | - Ingo Schmitz
- Department of Molecular Immunology, ZKF2, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum44801, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich80804, Germany
- Chair of Developmental Genetics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising85354, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich81675, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich81377, Germany
| | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg85764, Germany
| | - Vigo Heissmeyer
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried82152, Germany
- Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich81337, Germany
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Verhelst SHL, Prothiwa M. Chemical Probes for Profiling of MALT1 Protease Activity. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300444. [PMID: 37607867 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The paracaspase MALT1 is a key regulator of the human immune response. It is implicated in a variety of human diseases. For example, deregulated protease activity drives the survival of malignant lymphomas and is involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Thus, MALT1 has attracted attention as promising drug target. Although many MALT1 inhibitors have been identified, molecular tools to study MALT1 activity, target engagement and inhibition in complex biological samples, such as living cells and patient material, are still scarce. Such tools are valuable to validate MALT1 as a drug target in vivo and to assess yet unknown biological roles of MALT1. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the development and biological application of molecular tools to study MALT1 activity and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H L Verhelst
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, box 901b, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leibniz Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Otto-Hahn Strasse 6b, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michaela Prothiwa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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Di Pilato M, Gao Y, Sun Y, Fu A, Grass C, Seeholzer T, Feederle R, Mazo I, Kazer SW, Litchfield K, von Andrian UH, Mempel TR, Jenkins RW, Krappmann D, Keller P. Translational Studies Using the MALT1 Inhibitor ( S)-Mepazine to Induce Treg Fragility and Potentiate Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Cancer. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2023; 6:61-73. [PMID: 37214210 PMCID: PMC10195017 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis but also protect tumors from immune-mediated growth control or rejection and pose a significant barrier to effective immunotherapy. Inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase activity can selectively reprogram immune-suppressive Tregs in the tumor microenvironment to adopt a proinflammatory fragile state, which offers an opportunity to impede tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). Methods We performed preclinical studies with the orally available allosteric MALT1 inhibitor (S)-mepazine as a single-agent and in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) ICT to investigate its pharmacokinetic properties and antitumor effects in several murine tumor models as well as patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (PDOTS). Results (S)-mepazine demonstrated significant antitumor effects and was synergistic with anti-PD-1 therapy in vivo and ex vivo but did not affect circulating Treg frequencies in healthy rats at effective doses. Pharmacokinetic profiling revealed favorable drug accumulation in tumors to concentrations that effectively blocked MALT1 activity, potentially explaining preferential effects on tumor-infiltrating over systemic Tregs. Conclusions The MALT1 inhibitor (S)-mepazine showed single-agent anticancer activity and presents a promising opportunity for combination with PD-1 pathway-targeted ICT. Activity in syngeneic tumor models and human PDOTS was likely mediated by induction of tumor-associated Treg fragility. This translational study supports ongoing clinical investigations (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04859777) of MPT-0118, (S)-mepazine succinate, in patients with advanced or metastatic treatment-refractory solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Di Pilato
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Gao
- Monopteros Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amina Fu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carina Grass
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation - Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Seeholzer
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation - Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Irina Mazo
- Monopteros Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel W. Kazer
- Monopteros Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Thorsten R. Mempel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation - Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Kurden-Pekmezci A, Cakiroglu E, Eris S, Mazi FA, Coskun-Deniz OS, Dalgic E, Oz O, Senturk S. MALT1 paracaspase is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes cancer cell survival and growth. Life Sci 2023; 323:121690. [PMID: 37059355 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advances in treatment options, therapeutic management of HCC remains a challenge, emphasizing the importance of exploring novel targets. MALT1 paracaspase is a druggable signaling molecule whose dysregulation has been linked to hematological and solid tumors. However, the role of MALT1 in HCC remains poorly understood, leaving its molecular functions and oncogenic implications unclear. Here we provide evidence that MALT1 expression is elevated in human HCC tumors and cell lines, and that correlates with tumor grade and differentiation state, respectively. Our results indicate that ectopic expression of MALT1 confers increased cell proliferation, 2D clonogenic growth, and 3D spheroid formation in well differentiated HCC cell lines with relatively low MALT1 levels. In contrast, stable silencing of endogenous MALT1 through RNA interference attenuates these aggressive cancer cell phenotypes, as well as migration, invasion, and tumor-forming ability, in poorly differentiated HCC cell lines with higher paracaspase expression. Consistently, we find that pharmacological inhibition of MALT1 proteolytic activity with MI-2 recapitulates MALT1 depletion phenotypes. Finally, we show that MALT1 expression is positively correlated with NF-kB activation in human HCC tissues and cell lines, suggesting that its tumor promoting functions may involve functional interaction with the NF-kB signaling pathway. This work unveils new insights into the molecular implications of MALT1 in hepatocarcinogenesis and places this paracaspase as a potential marker and druggable liability in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Kurden-Pekmezci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ece Cakiroglu
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sude Eris
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Aybuke Mazi
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Silan Coskun-Deniz
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Dalgic
- Department of Medical Biology, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ozden Oz
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Pathology, Izmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serif Senturk
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
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